Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital has been stripped of its right to train doctors for medical emergencies in a dispute over skills development.

The Australian College of Emergency Medicine on Wednesday confirmed it cancelled the hospital’s training site accreditation for paediatric emergency medicine earlier this month.

It said the decision was based on concerns including “inappropriate structure of the RCH education programs to cater for all registrars, and shortcomings in relation to learning opportunities”.

“ACEM emphasises the decision to withdraw accreditation did not relate to concerns over the quality of patient care that has been delivered to patients and families,” the peak body said in a statement.

But the hospital said it has “differing views” to ACEM on the best way to develop the skills of its registrars.

“Our assessment of trainees when they come to the RCH is that many require additional paediatric emergency medicine knowledge and skills. ACEM does not share this view,” a RCH spokeswoman said.

“We have agreed to work with ACEM on implementing a model where both organisations’ expectations and standards can be met, with patient safety and the quality of care the absolute priority.”

The hospital has since reapplied for an accreditation, with the application under review.

In the interim, the RCH maintains the loss will not lessen the standard of care provided to patients.

“The withdrawal of accreditation has no impact on patient care or the current intake of trainee doctors at the hospital,” it said.

– AAP